Natural BWD decreased from 11.75 cm to 11 cm over two years - what can I do?

Hello, it is possible for breast width to change with overall fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, age-related atrophy, etc. The other possibility is imprecision when taking the measurement. Breasts do not have exactly defined borders but rather they gradually slope down to the chest so their width is an estimate. It is not uncommon for a patient to come to me, having seen another surgeon, and our breast width measurements are not identical. Regarding your question about the best implant size for you, the surgeon who did an in-person examination will be the best source of advice. Thank you for your question.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Breast diameter is so inaccurate that I’m not surprised you would get different measurement especially if from two doctors. Some one came up with this dumb idea years ago and many surgeons adopted it. I think somebody your size would not want to go over 400 cc’s. A surgeon should just be able to look at a patient and ask you what size you want to be able to determine implant size.

Dear Modest769784,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

At 110 pounds, the 385-415 cc implants will be too large for your frame and appear more like balls. Please choose something that fits you better so your breasts will look nice for a long time. Going up one cup in size is around 150 cc's.

The change in your BWD may simply be a measuring error. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon as well as your goals for surgery. Together you can select the implant that will best fit your body and help you achieve the look you are wanting.

Base width measurement is not very accurate. It is just a good reference point. I’m not surprised the same surgeon measured you differently two times.

The difference in your BWD might simply be a measuring error or variability, even though it was the same person who measured you twice. You might consider getting a second opinion and also seeing someone who offers 3D imaging to see beforehand what you will end up with.

Hey, thank you for your question!Probably the difference in BWD comes from appreciation or experience, each practitioner will have a slightly different judgement, and this appreciation will also change over time. 0.75 cm is minimal and I would think not to be considered a huge difference. If I am not mistaken 30 or 32 stands for the measurement in inch UNDER the breast ( the band closing in the back) and D or DD for the cup size (the actual breast size) So there is no way a breast augmentation will increase your bust measurement! It will increase your cup size and as a rule of thumb 200-250 cc implants will push you up one size. So the second opinion is probably closer to your desire than 400 cc.
Best way to go about it is to take a sport bra, a well adjusted top and go ask your surgeon to try with external sizer 200 , 240, 300 and 360 cc. You will have a much better idea and avoid anxiety and disappointment.Hope it helps

Hi and welcome to our forum!The difference between 11 cm and 11.75 cm BWD is probably due to slight differences in measurement technique as the distances involved are quite small. One cannot determine a "correct implant size" without knowledge of your body build as well as the laxity of your breast tissue and skin. A physical examination is required. One can usually augment breasts to almost any size, although skin expanders and multiple procedures may be required to stretch the surrounding tissues to accommodate very large implants.Discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon to be sure you are on the same page. Best wishes...